Date & Poached Pear Bar

Looking for a unique and delicious dessert recipe? Look no further than this decadent date and nut dessert topped with poached pears.

Chef Sanjay Sharma, Head of the School of Culinary Arts at Vedatya, shares his exclusive recipe for a truly indulgent dessert. This exquisite creation is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for dessert lovers.

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and method.

Ingredients:

• Pitted dates: 15
• Cashews: 100 grams
• Almonds: 100 grams
• Greek yogurt: 250 grams
• Pears: 2
• Sugar: 100 grams
• Caster sugar: 150 grams
• Water: 400 ml
• Cinnamon stick: 1
• Star anise: 1

Method:

1. Prep the Dates:
   • Soak the pitted dates in warm water for 10 minutes.
   • Drain the dates and cut them in half.
2. Create the Base:
   • In a food processor or blender, pulse the dates, cashews, and almonds until a thick, dough-like
     consistency is achieved.
   • Spread this mixture in a buttered tin.
3. Layer with Yogurt:
   • Spread a layer of Greek yogurt over the date and nut mixture.
4. Poach the Pears:
   • Peel the pears.
   • In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil.
   • Add the peeled pears to the boiling syrup and poach for 30 minutes, or until tender.
5. Assemble and Set:
   • Slice the poached pears and arrange them on top of the yogurt layer.
   • Let the dessert set in the refrigerator.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Cut the dessert into pieces and serve chilled.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use medjool dates.
• Adjust the sweetness of the poached pears by adding more or less sugar to the syrup.
• For a more intense flavor, roast the nuts before blending them with the dates.
• Garnish the dessert with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey.

This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special dinner party. Give it a try and indulge in the heavenly combination of flavors and textures.